The Prince

Chapter 10

The New Foe

"We do not know who is responsible for this. We received information yesterday that Hogwarts was in danger from someone; and that someone has been a student of Hogwarts," said Snape.

"Who gave you this information?" the Prince asked.

"Sybill Trelawney made her fourth real prediction yesterday."

The Prince looked thoughtful for a minute.

"Can you give me the exact words, Professor?" he asked. Snape took out a pensieve from his robes and held it out. Harry poked the swirling mist with his wand and was sucked in immediately. He saw Trelawney sitting in her room with Snape across her. She suddenly seized up, and her eyes rolled back. When she spoke, her voice was harsh, much unlike her normal misty voice.

"The danger to the school approaches...brought by one formerly its own...he brings others like himself...help must be sought from the noble Prince...the danger approaches..."

The Prince moved out of the bowl and sat back on his throne. He looked at Snape for a moment before bursting into laughter. Lupin and Snape stared at him in shock, a single thought in their minds, had Harry gone insane?

"Will your highness help us?" Snape asked after sometime.

Harry stopped laughing. The twinkle in his eyes died and as he stood up and walked down to his former Professor, he seemed to radiate power like heat.

"Not so long ago, Professor," he said, his voice very cold, "I was told that I would never be welcome there again."

"I am aware of that, your highness."

"And yet you come to me for help?"

Snape hung his head.

"Well?"

"You are the 'noble Prince' of the prophecy, your highness. Only you can help us."

"Oh, really? Not so long ago, Professor, I was told the opposite."

"I never believed Weasley, Harry. I tried to convince Albus and Minerva, but they didn't believe me. After all, I was a Death Eater," said Snape softly.

The Prince put a hand on his former teacher's shoulder.

"I'm aware of that, Professor. Hagrid told me a while ago. I appreciate your support."

"Thank you, your highness."

"Does the Headmistress know that you're here?"

Snape nodded. "She sent me here."

"Why you?"

"Because I had supported you. She still doesn't trust you, but she wants to save Hogwarts."

"McGonagall hasn't changed, has she?"

Snape smirked and shook his head. Harry grinned.

"I'll come with you, but I won't enter Hogwarts. Not until I'm cleared."

"Minerva gave me a pass for you."

"Not that, Professor. I can Apparate into Hogwarts any time I want to; I don't need anyone's permission."

"You can't Apparate into Hogwarts!"

"Hogwarts: A History? My power level is way beyond what that requires, Professor."

"Then why didn't you come before?"

"Contrary to your Headmistress' belief, I do have a sense of honour."

Snape nodded, understanding. "Have you any idea who the traitor might be?"

"Yeah."

"Who is it?"

"You'll know soon enough. Remus, give him the map and teach him how to operate it. Professor, you will seal all the routes into Hogwarts immediately. I will accompany you till the gates and place some protective wards around the castle before coming back. These will alert me when the attack occurs."

"Have you any idea when the attack will occur?"

"Not a very clear one; but soon, very soon."